Ralph Macchio began acting in television commercials at the age of 16, which led to his first film role in Up the Academy (1980). Macchio then appeared on the popular television series Eight is Enough (1980–81). His next film role was as the troubled Johnny Cade in 1983's The Outsiders. His best known and most successful film was The Karate Kid (1984), along with two sequels, The Karate Kid Part II (1986) and The Karate Kid III (1989). Critics believe that Macchio's youthful look blocked his transition from teen roles to more adult roles. He played small parts in the Joe Pesci vehicle, My Cousin Vinny (1992), Naked in New York (1994), Can't Be Heaven (1999) and The Office Party (2000). Macchio has also appeared in a traveling production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.